He said renovations of the guest rooms change “just about everything” — such as the bathrooms, carpeting, bedding and furniture. New features include 300 thread count linens and new duvet covers that are continually replaced for each guest.

Chase said most of the renovations are slated for completion in August, with work on the lobby, restaurant and bar beginning around mid-April.

“We will have a really hip, balanced approach to all customer segments,” Chase said.

He said the Marriott will be one of the first in the hotel chain to inject a hint of an aroma called China Rain into the hotel’s air circulation system.

The lobby’s large marble-top check-in counter will be replaced by personalized check-in pods, Chase said. A self-check-in kiosk will allow customers to select their own rooms. Chase said the hotel will even replace the Marriott’s awning and install new sidewalk pavers. A brushed stainless steel entryway will lead to a hotel with cherrywood and accent lights.

The Marriott has operated at the City Center for 23 years.

A second Tensuke Sushi restaurant is set to open Downtown this spring.

Tensuke Sushi is currently located in the skyway level of the Baker Center at 733 Marquette Ave., and an additional location will open on the ground floor of the Medical Arts building in the former Izzy’s Ice Cream space, located at 825 Nicollet Mall.

Store Manager Sachiyo Hashimoto said the second location is a bit smaller than the Baker Center site, so instead of a sushi bar, staff will package some menu items at the at the Baker Center for sale at the new store.

Hashimoto said the menus at the two sites will be identical.

Staff hope to open the second location on April 1.

Nicollet Mall

The Church of Scientology on Nicollet Mall is facilitating a blood drive for the Red Cross on Jan. 29.

The blood drive will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1011 Nicollet Mall.

Kristen Wegwerth, community relations director for the church, said the church is sponsoring the blood drive as part of the Church of Scientology’s international antidrug campaign, as only drug-free individuals are allowed to donate blood.